It’s that time of the year again! A traditional feast of food and drink, Burns Night on 25th January, is a cheerful post-Christmas pick-me-up when Scots all around the world celebrate the birth of the greatest Scottish poet Robert ‘Rabbie’ Burns. Burns Night is one of the strongest symbols of Scotland’s national identity and its ritual has remained unchanged for over 200 years.
Like all rituals, the detail is important and a brief summary cannot do full justice. Suffice it to say that speeches, a lot of standing up and sitting down, clapping, bagpipes, respect for the haggis and recitations of The Bard’s works are involved – all in strict order. The menu features favourite Scottish dishes and is washed down by good quantities of excellent whisky.
By nature the Scots are patriotic and many of them head north for a traditional Burns Supper and wee dram of whisky. This year however, to experience and appreciate the full glory of this merry celebration you don’t need to venture up to the Highlands.
Boisdale of Belgravia and Boisdale of Bishopsgate, Scotland’s principalities in London, will be featuring the legendary piper Pipe-Major Willie Cochrane and Scottish actor Brett Findlay, who will be reciting the Ode to a haggis in 18th century period costume as well as, not wanting to spoil the plot, stabbing (murdering!) the Haggis every night from Monday 18th January until Saturday 30th January 2010 at Boisdale Belgravia and Thursday 21st until Tuesday 26th at Boisdale of Bishopsgate.
Three set menus, featuring the finest Scottish ingredients including, amongst others, Hebridean salmon and langoustine, Mini roast Macsween haggis and the very best grass fed dry aged Aberdeenshire beef steaks will be available. In keeping with tradition, a small noggin of Johnnie Walker whisky will be served with the haggis. The menu options for parties include:
Boisdale of Belgravia
- Talisker 10 years old Burns Night Menu at £47.50 for four courses
- Talisker Distillers Editon Burns Night Menu at £55.00 for four courses
- Talisker 18 years old Burns Night Menu at £69.00 for four courses
Boisdale of Bishopsgate
- Talisker 10 years old Burns Night Menu at £38.50
- Talisker Distillers Editon Burns Night Menu at £59.50.
The full Burns Night ritual and special menus listed above can be provided for parties of eight or more. The menu options for all other customers include a la carte selection or Johnnie Walker Green Burns Night Menu at £40 for three courses.
Please see www.boisdale.co.uk for full details or contact Boisdale of Belgravia on 020 7730 6922 or Boisdale of Bishopsgate on 020 7283 1763 to book your table.
It is one of the busiest times of the year at Boisdale so to join in the revelry, if not the reeling, book early!
